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No more white hives for me

I just can't stand the looks of the white hives sitting in my field. Every time I see the hives, they look like big white piles of garbage. I just bought 5 gallons of light tan exterior latex paint and will be going with that. It's got some fancy name like Sierra Lacey Sand Mist, but it's light tan. I am probably about to break some unknown law of beekeeping............

Re: No more white hives for me

I did think about that, so it's a very light color although not as reflective as pure white. Maybe it will be okay. The hives are due east of my house. I am going to leave the south facing side of the boxes white. That should get real confusing come restacking time....... Regarding water close by, the hives are sitting about 30 yards from a 2 1/2 acre spring fed pond. I'm looking forward to visiting your bee yard. I knew today was going to be out for an inspection.

Re: No more white hives for me

I took a look at the ones in your top link the other day. I thought it was an interesting concept. I have no practical experience at this yet, so anything I offer would be just a guess.

With a ventilated top for an exhaust and the entrance for an intake, it would be quite possible to set up a type of chimney draft ventilation. If you could find the correct size for the exhaust vents in relation to the entrance size and used a darker color on the hive to cause it to heat up, that the hot air rising would pull cooler air into the hive. BUT, I'm only speculating......

Re: No more white hives for me

yep, that's how it works. the bees introduce another dynamic by selectively fanning air as needed for cooling the hive and drying out nectar. interestingly, they use propolis to open and close the window screen vents as they see fit for their airflow needs.

the darker paint is an advantage in the winter, but a disadvantage in the summer. there's usually a tradeoff in most things beekeeping.

some beekeepers get really creative with decorating their hives.

journaling the growth of a treatment free apiary started in 2010. 20+/- hives

Re: No more white hives for me

Up here in the great white North, I've painted mine a dark, chocolate brown. I went that direction after I saw Erin Forbes in Maine had painted hers black, and we're quite a bit cooler here than Maine is.

I think paint color really should be based on the average temperatures in the region you're in - and what you like to look at.

Re: No more white hives for me

My wife asked that I paint my Hives the color of the house which leaves me with three colors to choose from, light yellow, olive green and pottery orange. I said; of course, but I didn't mention the cost.

Re: No more white hives for me

I went for the color that Eco Wood Treatment gave me. Here is what they look like so far. 2013-0504-Hives.jpg Those still in my garage don't look much different than when they were new - the sun and rain darken them a lot.

As far as a darker color, we live where it is cold in winter and not too hot in summer, so I figured a bit darker will overall help them out. The wood is darkening up nicely as advertised (these were treated about one month ago).